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female athlete blood hormones

Q&A with Dr. A’nna Roby

Does estrogen play a role in recovery? Estrogen provides benefits during a workout that can help with recovery. For example, it prevents inflammation and limits free radical damage. This is helpful because less damage means quicker recovery from workouts. Furthermore, estrogen limits muscle damage itself, which reduces soreness. In terms of recovery itself, estrogen helps rebuild and remodel skeletal muscle.  Why do I feel warmer, hungrier, and sweat more at certain times of the month? Read more…

How frequently should athletes get a blood test?

How often should athletes check their blood markers? Here at Athlete Blood Test, we analyze many professional and elite athletes’ blood several times a year. Sometimes we even analyze their blood a few times during a season. But why? And should enthusiasts and recreational athletes do the same? As you’ll see below, the benefits of repeat testing extend to every athlete.  Let’s dive into the reasons why an athlete might want to do repeat blood Read more…

Which form of vitamin B12 should athletes take?

Vitamin B12 for athletes Vitamin B12 for athletes plays an important role in athletic performance. It’s a water-soluble vitamin that’s essential for red blood cell production, brain function and DNA synthesis. Low vitamin B12 can lead to anemia and cause a variety of symptoms, but most commonly athletes report feeling fatigued. Because athletes have a much higher physiological need for vitamin B12 and other micronutrients, symptoms can be felt well before a true deficiency occurs. Read more…

Folate for Athletes: many athletes are too low

Folate for athletes Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin (B9) that plays an important role in making DNA. It plays an important role in red blood cell production and tissue repair.  Folate is especially important for athletes, who have a high red blood cell turnover rate due to the stresses of training. Many athletes believe that their fatigue is due to an iron deficiency.  It could be, but folate deficiencies also can lead to anemia Read more…

Magnesium supplements for athletes

Magnesium from food sources Athlete commomly use magnesium supplements. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and is necessary for over 300 metabolic reactions, yet athletes often fall short on this electrolyte and crucial micronutrient.   Good food sources of magnesium include leafy greens (spinach, chard), legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, therefore, we always encourage athletes to source most of their magnesium from food. Magnesium as a supplements There are many Read more…

Get to know Dr. A’nna Roby on The Running Public Podcast

An endurance athlete, Doctor, and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Dr. A’nna joins us for a look into the way nutrition and blood testing affect our performance. We begin with general principles then progress to Anna’s specialty: female-specific nutrition and blood testing. If you are a female athlete, coach female athletes, or even just know a female athlete, the second half of this interview is now on your “must-listen” list!

DR. A’NNA TALKS BLOOD TESTING WITH FULL CIRCLE COACHING

ATHLETE BLOOD TEST TOPICS 3:40 – Inflammation 5:00 – When to blood test 8:06 – Adrenal fatigue  12:00- ABT.she 15:00 – IRON 17:50 – Testosterone 20:00 – Magnesium 24:00 Cholesterol  27 – The athlete blood test difference Dr. A’nna strives to inspire people to optimally fuel their bodies to achieve their best and have a positive impact on the world. She is the only combined Ph.D./RD specializing in sports performance nutrition in the world with Read more…

Should Athletes Supplement with Collagen?

Collagen is the most prevalent protein in your body. It’s essential for providing structure to your skin, hair, nails and even helps your blood clot. In the past few years, collagen’s gained popularity showing up in everything from muffins to water (sister-in-law gave me collagen water at her house, who knew?!). In this post, I look beyond the fancy marketing to give you an overview if athletes should take collagen. What is collagen? Collagen is Read more…

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